Certificate of no impediment
A Certificate of no impediment (CONI) confirms there are no objections to a proposed marriage or civil partnership and is sometimes required if you are planning a ceremony abroad.
Certificates of no impediment can only be issued for marriages or civil partnerships abroad. They are not single-status documents.
The certificate does not expire, but different countries have rules about what is acceptable.
We can only issue a certificate if:
- you are a UK national
- your marriage or civil partnership is taking place in a foreign country but not a commonwealth country or the Irish Republic
- you have lived in England or Wales for the proceeding eight nights immediately before giving your notice of marriage or civil partnership
- the overseas authorities have asked you to obtain a certificate of no impediment
- we can take notice for the country concerned
- it is for a specific person in a specific country in the next few months
Single status document
If you have been asked for a proof of single status document by another country and are not planning a marriage or civil partnership, please request that country’s embassy what else you can supply. We cannot issue proof of single status documents.
The General Register Office for England and Wales can issue a letter confirming no trace of marriage record for your name during a set period, which may be accepted for some purposes when a single status document is requested.
You must contact the General Register Office on 030 0123 1837 to apply for a ‘no trace letter’.
Where to give notice
To obtain a certificate, you must give notice.
- If you live in Lincolnshire, you should contact us to make an appointment at one of our offices.
- If you live outside of Lincolnshire, you must give your notice of marriage or civil partnership at the register office in the district(s) where you live.
- If one party is a UK national and lives in a foreign country, they should discuss with the British consul of that country where they can give notice, as notice cannot be taken here for a person living overseas.
Please see the documents you will need to give notice page for more information about what you must bring to your appointment.
Booking an appointment
Please get in touch with us with your full contact information to arrange an appointment at ceremonies@lincolnshire.gov.uk.